This is the 5393rd most frequent Turkish word.
koruyan
"Koruyan" means "protecting" or "one who protects" in English.
The word 'koruyan' is used here as a participle describing 'bir yapıttır', expressing a protective function.
Bu duvar, evi rüzgardan koruyan bir yapıttır.
This wall is a structure that protects the house from wind.
The word 'koruyan' in this sentence acts as a participle qualifying 'insanlar', indicating individuals engaged in protection.
Doğayı koruyan insanlar geleceğe yatırım yapar.
People who protect nature invest in the future.
In this example, 'koruyan' functions as a participle modifying 'kalkan', describing the shield as protective.